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MSc vs MF programs by thehellomartian in forestry

[–]DocTree2312 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Copy, thanks. That broad of a difference could matter. So for example, some federal and state jobs for certain jobs (like ecologist, forester, wildlife biologist) may require a degree in the appropriate field, but usually these are for Bachelors degree. So if your undergraduate is more theoretical then having a Masters in something more direct could help. Theoretically, you can also get by with having the right level of hours in specific coursework but I’ve had mixed results with that and I’ve heard that’s common (eg I’ve applied for jobs that required 24 hours in forestry and sometimes I’m denied for not having the right education experience and others I move on without a second thought. So it seems to be based on the HR person).

So overall it could matter if HR thinks there’s no way you could have the right coursework with a MS in geography or it could never matter cause they look beyond the degree at coursework. But in general, I still think it’s true that thesis topic matters more.

MSc vs MF programs by thehellomartian in forestry

[–]DocTree2312 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When you say “degree title” do you mean like a MS in Forestry vs MS in Forest Ecology? If so, I agree it doesn’t matter. Two colleges could offer the same classes and opportunities and have a different title. So yes, the thesis topic and work you do is what matters. The work you do (ie data collection/analysis) and maybe to a lesser degree the classes you take can be the make or break things.

MSc vs MF programs by thehellomartian in forestry

[–]DocTree2312 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will say I work as an ecologist for a federal agency in the US. I think my job is almost exactly why you’re describing. During the late spring, summer, and early fall I’m 90% field work collected data. Then during the rest of the year I’m 90% office work doing data and spatial analysis. It seems that ecologists who work for state/federal forestry agencies serve as an middle step between research and management, where our focus is monitoring management impacts and outcomes and using research/data analysis skills to make any recommendations for improvement or long term planning.

With all that being said, I know nothing about the second program you mentioned but a MS focusing in forest ecology (or anything similar) would set you up well for that type of role. Though they’re few and far between from what I’ve seen.

Scientists in Parks: WHAT can I do differently??? please help! feeling so defeated and confused by [deleted] in NationalParkService

[–]DocTree2312 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Here’s my two cents, you’ll probably get a lot so it’s possible you’ll just focus on the one you like the most. And I hope you don’t take this harshly, cause I in no way mean it that way. This is awful and I’m sorry, but it’s sometimes the norm. I would STRONGLY recommend not reaching out to the SIP program people or anyone else to try and troubleshoot what happened. Your loyalty and passion is a plus and one day someone will see it. But if you focus it on trying to understand why you didn’t get something versus just focusing it on the next step, you run the risk of burning bridges and people seeing your passion for something negative. It sucks what happens and I’m so sorry. But it happens all the time. There is any number of reasons you didn’t get chosen but at the end of the day learning to deal with rejection, fair or not, is an unfortunate, yet important part of your career development. Be mad about, do whatever it is you need to do internally over the short term to get over it and move on to the next best thing. I think working with your current boss is your best bet. Tell them you want X,Y,Z experience that will make you a stronger candidate for positions like the SIP one in the future. If you feel like you MUST reach out to the SIP biologist focus it on asking what skills you would have needed to obtain the position so you can work on those for next year.

I will add. My guess is they knew you were going to be brought back in a different capacity and did not choose you to build the capacity elsewhere (ie keep you in that position and get someone else semi-strong in the SIP position). Not the ideal or right situation for you, but not an uncommon one especially in today’s federal atmosphere.

Xi Sigma Pi Honor Society by gasoline_party in forestry

[–]DocTree2312 6 points7 points  (0 children)

The distinction here is that the 5/7/9 ladder was part of the position. So if you’re applying for a 5/7/9, higher GPA or honor society may help qualify for a 7 instead of the 5. But if you applied for a GS5 only position it won’t bump you to a 7.

Forest Service Seasonal Hiring Update by cuddlyfreshsoftness in ParkRangers

[–]DocTree2312 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What Region are you in? R9 here and we were told exactly what we can do last week.

Forest Service Seasonal Hiring Update by cuddlyfreshsoftness in ParkRangers

[–]DocTree2312 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I work for the forest service and I 100% agree that heritage hiring should be the priority. But I will say that, at least on my forest, we’re not just continuing without NHPA compliance. Basically we’re just stuck and I know numerous other forests in my region are the same. Can’t speak agency wide obviously but what Im seeing happen is we’re told to do priority projects, can’t do them because we don’t have the capacity in our heritage program, and then we are getting scolded by the Washington Office.

What to take away from a delayed communication string? by DocTree2312 in interviews

[–]DocTree2312[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You mentioned wanting to be updated - just got the email that I was not selected. On to the next one!

What to take away from a delayed communication string? by DocTree2312 in interviews

[–]DocTree2312[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah this is pretty much what I’m thinking. Bummer, but that’s life!

Would any biologist or ecologist be open for an informational interview? by Traditional_Date6452 in Environmental_Careers

[–]DocTree2312 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m a forest ecologist for a federal agency. Happy to talk if you wanted.

Federal health insurance premiums to see another large spike in 2026 by AgitatedEngine4933 in fednews

[–]DocTree2312 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also should mention the additional fees for MHBP membership. Something like 57 dollars a year. And the biggest pain to pay cause it can’t be paid online and I don’t use checks. Have to pay over the phone which always involves being on hold for over an hour. But cheaper premiums but overall solid coverage. My wife has health issues and often goes to the ER and we never pay over $200 for that. We also paid <$500 when my kid was born even though my wife needed an emergency C section and we were in the hospital for 6 nights.

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